Is it Legal to Gamble Online in New York?
New York state defines gambling as any activity which “depends in a significant degree upon an element of chance.” Although playing poker requires some skill and strategy, it should not be seen as gambling and is therefore illegal in New York state.
New York lawmakers remain hopeful in legalizing online poker and legislation establishing a regulated market has been introduced annually since 2014. Although Senate Bill 1037 passed unanimously in 2017, House Floor votes never took place on it and, once more, primary proponent Sen. Joseph Addabbo introduced legislation, though it failed to move forward in 2020.
New Yorkers looking to play online poker have many free-play sites at their disposal. These provide them with an opportunity to hone their skills and familiarize themselves with the software before moving onto real-money sites. Furthermore, some sites even host high-stakes tournaments or offer bonus cash incentives to newcomers!
New Yorkers who prefer more of an informal approach to poker can try their luck on sweepstakes-based sites that cater specifically to New York players, like Global Poker which uses Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins to allow participation in games and tournaments.
New Yorkers now enjoy legal sports betting, so it could soon become necessary to regulate online casinos and poker rooms as soon as they come online. Neighboring states New Jersey and Pennsylvania already boast flourishing regulated markets for gaming online, making New York a natural progression.
Are you ready to take your poker game to the next level? Check out our review of the top regulated online poker sites. These top-rated sites boast polished software, packed tournament and cash game schedules, generous bonuses, as well as secure deposit/withdrawal methods for deposits/withdrawals of funds.
New York is an excellent choice for betting fans of online poker or looking to wager on the latest football match, offering both physical casinos and an emerging online poker scene that attract so many gamblers. Just remember to adhere to New York’s legal age restrictions of 18 for sports betting and 21 for casino and poker gambling; before depositing money online it’s also wise to check local laws regarding legality before depositing any. Have fun!